Grace Abounds - Part 4

In a world full of chaos, Grace abounds!

Romans 5:20 NKJV

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

Grace = the unearned, undeserved favor of God.

Mercy is not getting what you deserve.

Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

Principle Focus: Grace Exponentially Outpaces Sin

Question: How do we live in an awareness of Grace in 2024?

Ignore the bad news. Believe what God said.

Today:

Week 2: Change your perspective.

We ended 1 Pet 1:13-16

Week 3: Hear the Higher Call of Grace & Live Unselfishly

Today: Take a Stand

Romans 5:1–2 NKJV

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

In week 2 we talked about having an all access pass and I told a story about being backstage at a Winter Jam Concert when I did the morning show at Christian 107.3.

Today we are focusing on the last half of that Scripture:

In Which we Stand

I believe that Lord wants me to tell you that many of us will need to take a stand of Faith in 2024.

The circumstances will be different, but the remedy will be the same:

Make a grace-enabled stand of faith in 2024!

Romans 5:1–2 AMP

1 THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 2 Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.

The Aramaic Literal Translation says “We have been brought near”

How do we make a stand?

1. Pick your position purposefully.

Psalm 1:1–3 NKJV

1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:1 AMP

1 BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2. Base your stand on Truth

Psalm 1:2 AMP

2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

Psalm 1:3 AMP

3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

3. When you’ve done everything else, STAND

Ephesians 6:10–18 NKJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—